IDENTIFICATION OF GROUND WATER POLLUTION SOURCES

Abstract

Ground water is the major and perennial source of drinking as well as for agricultural and industrial sectors in both
urban and rural areas of northern Gujarat. This study has been carried out in the Kadi Taluka of Mehsana district where
in absence of other potential surface water bodies, ground water has been experiencing the high rate of over
exploitation. Near Mehsana- Chhatral high way, there are around 11 industrial units are running and many more in the
south-west downstream from the study area. Due to industrial activities and their uncontrolled discharges, intentional
and unintentional, ground water in this region has been highly polluted with heavy metals and organic compounds which
contribute to higher COD, Higher Iron and Reddish brown colour in the water. Besides that, over extraction has created
ground water trough below the city. To meet the ever increasing demand for fresh water for industrial, as well as
agricultural it is essential to restore the ground water quality. The present study focuses on establishing the cause-effect
relationship between pollution and the probable responsible industry as well as identifies appropriate remediation
technology.